Dominion Braces For Sustained Impact Of Hurricane Sandy, Urges Customers To Do Same
-- Powerful storm extends hundreds of miles; impact will last for days

-- Customers urged to prepare for potential of prolonged power outages

-- Mutual-aid support from other utilities to reinforce Dominion crews

RICHMOND, Va., Oct. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- As Hurricane Sandy approaches, Dominion Virginia Power and Dominion North Carolina Power are preparing for potentially widespread power outages from the powerful, slow-moving storm, and urging customers to do the same.

"This storm system will build in intensity over time and will remain a force for days, not just hours, causing major damage and extensive power outages," said Rodney Blevins, vice president-Distribution Operations. "Its effects will be felt for days along much of the East Coast." The company's linemen and contractor tree trimmers will be supplemented by additional utility workers from other states.

"When customers lose their electric service during a major storm, their primary question is when their electricity will be restored," Blevins said. "They expect our bucket trucks and line crews to be in the field as soon as the storm ends, or sooner, but strong winds may make working conditions too risky to proceed while the storm lingers.

"The safety of everyone is paramount. This means it may take longer to respond to some outages," Blevins said. Dominion meteorologist Jeff Mock explains the unique characteristics of Hurricane Sandy and why this storm may be severe and long lasting in this online video: http://youtu.be/gJTjv09Tycs.

Restoration work continues around the clock until service is restored for all customers affected by the storm. Most crews work from sunup to sundown to restore service. Some work will continue during the night if it is safe. Overnight, other employees plan and organize the next day's jobs so repairs are completed in the most efficient and effective way possible.

The company reminds its customers to call toll free 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357) in the event of outages or downed lines. Customers may also report an outage through the company's mobile website at www.dom.com by typing in the phone number or account number on record with the company and the last four digits of their Social Security number, PIN or federal tax ID number.

Dominion (NYSE: D) is one of the nation's largest producers and transporters of energy, with a portfolio of approximately 27,400 megawatts of generation. Dominion operates the nation's largest natural gas storage system and serves retail energy customers in 15 states. For more information about Dominion, visit the company's website at www.dom.com.